November-December 2021 GCSANE BOARD OF DIRECTORS President's Message by Peter J. Rappoccio PRESIDENT Peter J. Rappoccio, CGCS Concord Country Club 246 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742 978-371-1089 Fax: 978-369-7231 Dear Member, Email: gcs@concordcc.org VICE PRESIDENT Brian Skinner, CGCS, CPO I hope this letter finds everyone well and everyone is gearing up Bellevue Golf Club for the holiday season! The December weather has been kind thus PO Box 760661, Melrose, MA 02176 781-248-0216 far and many of us are wrapping up projects before our courses Email: brianskinner@bellevuegolfclub.com close for the season. Thank you to all those that came out to SECRETARY/TREASURER Bob Dembek the December meeting at the Stockyard. We had a great day of Lexington Golf Club 55 Hill Street, Lexington, MA 02420 education and camaraderie. 978-870-8669 Email: lexgc@rcn.com Thank you for everyone who filled out the survey regarding DIRECTORS Greg Cormier, CGCS the annual meeting in January. After much thought the Board Tom Irwin, Inc. 11A Street, Burlington, MA 01803 recently decided on postponing the annual meeting until a later date in March or April. 978-846-1133 Email: gregcormier@tomirwin.com The main reasons for this were safety concerns from the COVID variants, proximity Ryan Emerich coming off of the holidays and the fact that most want an in-person meeting. Hopefully by Vesper Country Club late winter / early spring we can be in a position where we can gather again. At the Annual 185 Pawtucket Boulevard, Tyngsboro, MA 01879 717-575-1332 Meeting our distinguished service award winner will be recognized as well as welcoming Email: remerich@vespercc.com the new board for the 2022 year. Please stay tuned for more information in the future. Michael Murphy Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course 1281 West Roxbury Parkway, Brookline MA 02467 617-879-5664 As we look back on 2021, it certainly was a busy year on many of our courses and Email: mimurphy@brooklinema.gov businesses. We have all had to learn to adapt to new methods, dealing with supply issues, Eric Richardson Essex County Club and of course Mother Nature. I do not think any of us could have imagined all the rain 153 School Street, Manchester, MA 01944 from July onward. I am hopeful 2022 returns a sense of normalcy with the weather and 978-500-2094 Email: erichardson@essexcc.org the other external challenges we all have been dealing with. However, I am sure all of us David Stowe, CGCS we will be ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. Newton Commonwealth Golf Club 212 Kenrick Street, Newton, MA 02458 617-789-4631 Email: Newtonmaint@aol.com I want to thank the Board of Directors for their hard work this year. We have some PAST PRESIDENT very talented people who are doing some great things for our association. Whether it is David W. Johnson government relations, education, S&B, newsletter, membership, or setting up a great golf The Country Club 191 Clyde Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 calendar, our association is very fortunate to have such hard-working individuals who work 617-456-3972 Email: Djohnson.wgc@gmail.com on our behalf. I also would like to take a moment to thank Don Hearn for his work as our executive director. Don works on our behalf 24/7 and has done a great job representing EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Donald E. Hearn, CGCS our association on a local and national level. 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 774-430-9040 Email: donhearn@gcsane.org Finally, I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity of being President the last two NEWSLETTER EDITOR Greg Cormier, CGCS years; it has certainly been one of the highlights of my career. I look forward to continuing Tom Irwin, Inc. to watch the Association prosper and I will continue to help in any way I can. If you are 11A Street, Burlington, MA 01803 978-846-1133 reading this and thinking of joining the board or a committee in the future, please do so. Email: gregcormier@tomirwin.com Getting involved in your association is the only way it can continue to grow and succeed! GCSANE Headquarters 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Tel: (774) 430-9040 Web Site: www.gcsane.org I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season and wish everyone a happy new year! Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and June not represent the position of GCSANE. Information Regards, contained in this publication June be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as long as the true context is maintained. We would Peter J. Rappoccio, CGCS appreciate a credit line. “Leave No Trace” Your Golf Irrigation Specialist Tanto Irrigation has proudly provided The Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England with Irrigation Services for over 50 years. Let us know how we can serve Please contact Tim Clarke OR Paul L. Guillaro (845) 325-3868 (914) 262-7324 tantoirrigation.com 2 The Newsletter Divot Drift WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Nicholas Fino, Assistant Superintendent Franklin Country Club Back Issues! Jordan Koester, Assistant Superintendent The Country Club CONGRATULATIONS TO Blaine Doherty, superintendent at Winchester Country Club, Winchester, MA. Blaine was formerly superintendent at the Wianno Club, Osterville, MA. Andrew Updegrove, superintendent at Baker Hill Golf Club in Newbury, NH. Andrew was formerly a superintendent at The Country Club, Chestnut Hill, MA where he was Director of U.S. Open Operations & Projects. Past issues of the NEWSLETTER are available using this link: http://bit.ly/GCSANEnewsletters. As in the past, The Newsletter continues to invite Affiliate members to submit a press release about new personnel, new products or a company bio. We will print each and every release free of charge. This is a great way to advertise for free. Who said nothing in this world is free? Free advertising to better your company, wow what an offer. GCSANE Offers Website Banner advertising at www.gcsane.org The price is $500 for one year which will be re-occurring annually from your first billing unless otherwise specified. For more information, please contact Don Hearn at 774-430-9040 or donhearn@gcsane.org November-December 2021 3 OUR PASSION IS YOUR SUCCESS With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone. Harris Schnare | 800-582-5959 | harris@tomirwin.com 4 The Newsletter Thoughts From Your Executive Director by Don Hearn The next U.S, Open Championship will be played at The Country Bennet, Anthony Howard and Andrew Updegrove and the entire Club, June 16-19, 2022. Many have already signed up to be turf team at the club have been preparing the course for the volunteers during the days of the championship and the week championship for almost four years. The changes to the course have leading up to it. There was an orientation at the club in mid- been done under the guidance of architect Gil Hanse and the team October where the expectations were detailed and followed with of contractors has been led under the watchful eye of Matt Staffieri, a barbecue lunch sponsored by the Tom Irwin company. Other President of MAS Golf Course Construction based in Hopkinton, supporters of the day were BASF and the TORO company. MA. It will be an exciting time for everyone involved and the club’s staff and membership are proud to be a part of this historic event. Director of Grounds Dave Johnson and Superintendents Adam November-December 2021 5 Thoughts continued NEW ENGLAND SUPERINTENDENTS CHAMPIONSHIP GROUPS This year’s New England Superintendents Fontaine, Andrew Ingham, Mike Nagle, Championship was held at the Essex and Mike Poch. County Club, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, October 18. 64 players from the 7 We are fortunate to have strong support New England superintendents’ associations from the commercial side of our industry played on a distinctive course during a and that was evident by the sponsors of this beautiful day. Our host, Eric Richardson year’s event. Our thanks to Tim Russell, and his excellent team had the course in Andrew Ingham and Five Star Golf Cars outstanding condition, and all felt welcome & Utility Vehicles; Ben Petersen and Tom by the hospitality shown by the golf shop Irwin, Inc.; and Garrett Whitney and Read and clubhouse staff. Custom Soils for supporting the event and helping to make it a fun and relaxing day The championship was played as a for all. On a personal note, it was great to Stableford competition, and the winning see many of the people in our industry I’ve team was the GCSA of New England. The met over the years and to meet others who From left: Donny Droppo, Gilberto Perez, winning team included Tim Crane, Bob are now new friends. Kurt Calderwood, Robin Hayes Cullen, Dick Duggan, Ryan Emerich, Eric From left: Andy McHugh, David Smith, From left: Andrew Ingham, Ryan Emerich, From left: Scott Rossi, Brant Slayton, Tom Hoffer, Andy Hannah Rick Lewis, Ian Doumas Patrick Van Vleck 6 The Newsletter Thoughts continued From left: Tom Rowell, Jason Bastille, From left: Scott Watelet, Robert Diaz, From left: Max Major, Terry Davio, Joe Oliviera, Mike Whitehead Garrett Whitney, Willem Geldenhuys Peter Jacobson, Jack Hassett From left: Eric Fontaine, Mike Nagle, From left: Anthony Grosso, Al From left: Andrew Fries, Robert Dorsch, Kyle Ladd, Greg Holder Adaskaveg, Dave Stott, Rick Lawlor Matt Emond, Brady Klein From left: Paul Bonini, Neil Lajeunesse, From left: Sid Chase, Jeff Brooks, Pat From left: Mike Poch, Tim Crane, Ben Jenkins, Parish Pina Meehan, Matt Crowther Kevin Doyle, John Laprey From left: Alden Maddocks, Chris From left: Dick Duggan, Bob Cullen, From left: E.J. Chea, John Gabbeitt, Cowan, Alex Martin, Jeff Tibbetts Scott Cybulski, Bob Searle Shaun Marcellus, Dan St. Laurent November-December 2021 7 Thoughts continued Peter Rappoccio, current GCSA of New England Attendees included: President, and I traveled to GCSAA Headquarters • Central Illinois GCSA in Lawrence, Kansas early last month to attend the Nathan Jordan Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium. Thirty-seven • Central Texas leaders from 23 affiliated chapters strengthened their Jake Snyman and Carol Cloud leadership skills at the symposium. • Florida GCSA This annual event allows chapters to send a volunteer Jennifer Bryan leader and association staff member to GCSAA • GCSA of Arkansas headquarters. The program is intended to strengthen Samantha Nuckolls each chapter’s leadership team, build on successes, • GCSA of New England and learn new concepts and ideas to support chapter Peter Rappocclo, CGCS and effectiveness. Don Hearn, CGCS, Retired • GCSA of New York While there we participated in sessions focused on a Steven Kurta and Suzanne Mis At left: Kevin Doyle, GCSAA broad segment of volunteer and association management • Georgia GCSA Northeast Regional Field Staff topics with plenty of time to network with our peers Lydell Mack and Tenia Workman and Peter Rappoccio flank the from around the country. GCSAA staff highlighted sculpture of Old Tom Morris at the various ways the association can assist in chapter • Heart of America GCSAA Headquarters. operations. Brent Stephenson and Thomas Storey • Idaho GCSA The session’s first day was highlighted by updates on GCSAA, The First Green, regional Bryce Burton and Lori Russell advocacy efforts and communications platforms to assist with chapter operations. • Inland Empire GCSA Michael Bednar and Lori Russell Day two was also filled with key information from the GCSAA Foundation and leadership training. • Iowa GCSA Brian Abels and Kory Brown Amy Leslie, the CEO of Perspective Consulting based in the Kansas City area, concluded • Lone Star GCSA the event with an interactive workshop. Leslie educated the group on how your personality Michael Upchurch and Carol Cloud can impact your leadership style, while maximizing your success both personally and professionally. • Michigan GCSA Ryan Moore and Adam Ikamas Objectives included: • Midwest Association of GCS Mark Kosbad, CGCS, Todd Schmitz, • Gain practical skills and knowledge to help you successfully lead your facility and your and Luke Cella chapter • Minnesota GCSA • Explore the challenges and changes impacting today’s association operating environment Eric Ritter and Michael Sonnek • Build an ongoing professional network of peers and share best practices and innovative • Nebraska GCSA ideas Troy Lorenz and Katy Boggs • Receive updates on programs and initiatives that are of interest to chapters from GCSAA • North Texas GCSA Jason Wiedeman and Shannon Phillips • Peaks and Prairies GCSA Ryan Blecta and Lori Russell • Rio Grande GCSA Michael Adkins and Carol Cloud • San Diego GCSA Sandy Cooper • South Texas GCSA Allen Plagens and Carrie Cole • Southern Nevada GCSA Misty Kadel • Utah GCSA Natalie Barker GCSAA COO Bob Ranquist addressing attendees at this year’s symposium. 8 The Newsletter Thoughts continued The New England PGA Pro-Superintendent Championship took place at the Franklin Country Club, October 20. The event was won by the Trull Brook team of Alan Santos and Jeremy Cox. As always, the course was in wonderful condition. There were many comments stating how well the course had come through the summer. Kudos went to host superintendent Mike Luccini and his hard-working team for the beautiful conditions. From left, first row: Nick Burchard, Don Hearn, Ted Wales, Karen Connelly. Second row: Joe Szczechowicz, Steve Bukoff, Steve Boksanski, Greg Cormier. Third row: Peter Roberto, Richard Bradley, Bob Mann, Eric Richardson, Warren Lent. Photo by: Virginia Wood The Green Industry Alliance (GIA) met recently to discuss legislation that could impact the industry. Representatives of the groups that In some cases, these comments have been From left: Joe Lazaro, Alex Martin and comprise the Green Industry Alliance - true, but it doesn’t mean we should not be Matt Ponte Massachusetts Arborist Association (MAA), diligent monitoring issues that could have a the Massachusetts Association of Landscape negative outcome for our courses. Attached The 9-hole meeting took place November Professionals (MLP), the Massachusetts is a list of items discussed at our November 2, at the Fresh Pond Golf Course in Association of Lawn Care Professionals 19 meeting. Click here to read more about Cambridge, MA. Alex Martin was our (MALCP), the Irrigation Association them. host. He and golf professional Bob Carey of New England (IANE), and the Golf worked together to make this event Course Superintendents Association of successful. The weather was beautiful and New England (GCSANE) met November If you believe you got a deal on those who played enjoyed the time spent 19 to listen to details and discuss various something that seemed too good to at Fresh Pond. After golf we gathered legislative issues relative to the green across the street from the course at the industry. Our legislative agents, Steve be true, read on. Mt. Auburn VFW Post 8818 for lunch, Boksanski and Warren Lent from BCB It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s beverages, conversation and camaraderie. Government Relations spoke about the worse to pay too little. When you pay The event was a scramble format won by legislative agenda moving forward and what too much, you lose a little money - that the team of Brian Skinner, Mark Casey and could be possible outcomes. GCSANE is all. When you pay too little, you David Stowe. Closest to the Hole was won being one of the groups in the GIA provides sometimes lose everything, because by Bob Dembek. a benefit to our members that would not be the thing you bought was incapable possible without the experience of a group of doing the job it was bought to do. like BCB Government Relations. Some may The common law of business balance think it’s not a big deal to be kept current prohibits paying a little and getting a on what legislative and regulatory agencies lot. If you deal with the lowest bidder, are thinking about. “All will be OK.” “It’s it is well to add something for the risk you run, and, if you do that, you will no big deal.” “Somehow we’ll make it have enough to pay for something work.” These are some of the comments I’ve better. been told when discussing related issues. November-December 2021 9 Thoughts continued the small stainless steel screws that hold the sprinkler head cover in place are difficult to obtain. Casings for golf car batteries are in short supply. They are in ships waiting to be unloaded on the west coast. This has contributed to increased delivery time for golf cars. Some are being told that golf cars originally scheduled for delivery this fall might not show up until sometime in late 2022 or even as late as 2023! The cost of PVC pipe has increased and delivery has become a problem due to the loss of power in Texas earlier this year. I was told a lot of this type of pipe is manufactured in Texas and the loss of power has created shortages along with the price increases. Sod shortages might be something you should pay attention to. I spoke with a grower who told me some varieties and blends and Attendees at the 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference of the New England Golf Course mixes could be in short supply next spring. Owners Association. I don’t know exactly what your strategy will be, but I suggest you touch bases with your I attended the Annual Meeting and management and the additional workload supplier to discuss your future needs. Conference of the New England Golf brought on by these situations were topics Course Owners Association (NEGCOA) discussed. As always, Executive Director, Elaine held at the Lake of Isles Golf Course in Gebhardt put this year’s event together to North Stonington, Connecticut, early Examples of how the supply chain produce an informative and interesting December. It was an interesting meeting slowdown is effecting our industry were gathering of individuals with common with a lot of open discussion about the described by some in attendance. For interests and motivations. state of the industry. Many items we instance, stainless steel is in short supply. have in common with this group such as This has created a backlog of sprinkler labor issues, supply issues, outside event heads being unable to be shipped because Northeast Golf & Turf Supply a division of Northeast Nursery, Inc. - Est. 1982 Exclusive Distributor for Rain Bird Golf MA, NH, VT, ME and RI PRODUCT CATEGORIES • Granular Fertilizers • Control Products • Turfgrass Seed • Specialty Nutrients • Soil Conditioners • Golf Course Accessories NORTHEAST NORTHEAST NORTHEAST TURF & IRRIGATION SUPPLY CONTRACTOR CENTER TURF & IRRIGATION SUPPLY Dennis Port, MA Peabody, MA Londonderry, NH Learn more about our products and services at: www.northeastnursery.com 10 The Newsletter Since 1970, Turf Products has been providing our valued customers with the knowledge, tools and equipment to protect and preserve the Northeast’s most beautiful outdoor environments. We are your single source supplier for turf mowing and maintenance equipment and golf irrigation systems, as well as drainage, pond aeration, lightning detection and much more. TPC has been selling Toro equipment continuously for over half a century. Together we deliver the most innovative products in the golf industry. Toro products are developed by golf experts for individuals like you who work hard to maintain awless turf conditions. Turf Products is proud to announce the addition of the Ventrac product line. With over 30 commercial-grade attachments, Ventrac is America’s most versatile tractor . . . built to get work done! Call: (800) 243-4355 or visit us at: www.turfproductscorp.com November-December 2021 11 Thoughts continued Some may have missed this so I thought it would be helpful to include it here. Lee Elder, one of golf’s trailblazers passed away November 28, 2021. He won the 1974 Monsanto open along with other PGA TOUR and PGA Champions TOUR events and was the first black golfer to play in December Meeting the Masters Tournament. Before his passing, The Country Club, Brookline, The December 2 meeting was held at programs to help employers with staffing Massachusetts, established the Lee the Stockyard restaurant in Brighton, of employees transitioning from other Elder Internship for 2022 along with MA. There were two presentations of occupations, along with other options. the USGA. The innovative program strong interest to those in attendance. is designed to introduce under- After lunch a panel of four superintendents represented youth to the game and Julie Whitmore, Business Services from different type courses (Eric its core values, while also showcasing Representative at the MassHire Metro Richardson , Essex County Club, private golf’s many career pathways. Over North Career Center gave an expansive member; Ben Bouchard, Sky Meadow the course of a week, 25 individuals presentation outlining the resources Country Club, private owner; Alex Martin, will be exposed to multiple facets of available to those interested in bringing Fresh Pond Golf Course, municipal and the business of golf and gain firsthand on new employees. That’s just about Mike Murphy, Robert T. Lynch Municipal experience and insight from industry all of us! As you might imagine, there Golf Course) made presentations and leaders. The daily curriculum will is preliminary information needed to answered questions about their hiring cover tournament operations, media, determine if you will be able to qualify for and retention practices. The discussion course maintenance and design, sales any support. While this, on the surface, lasted about an hour, and easily could have and marketing, facility operations and might sound burdensome, Julie and continued for another hour but we were out management and other relevant topics. others with MassHire are very willing of time. In addition to hiring and retaining, to help you with the process. Also, for other items of interest and concern Please click here to read a fee, there are companies that will discussed were salary and benefit levels, more about this program handle all the paperwork required. It was position openings and if salary ranges interesting to realize that Massachusetts has should be published in job postings. The USGA has published an info- graphic that can be purchased for posting in various areas of your club or course. If you would like to pur- chase some please click this link 12 The Newsletter HELPING YOU WIN. SERVICE. SOLUTIONS. INSIGHTS. When it comes to your course, you need a partner that’s consistent. Count on us for the right products and technical insights you need to help your business thrive. CONTACT YOUR WINFIELD UNITED REPRESENTATIVE TODAY TO LEARN HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WIN. TIM HANRAHAN JAY POPKO THanrahan@landolakes.com JPopko@landolakes.com 978-815-9810 413-454-3847 Andersons • Aquatrols • Bayer • BASF • Civitas • Corteva • FMC Griggs • Nufarm • PBI Gordon • Quali Pro • Syngenta winfieldunitedpro.com | @winfieldpro November-December 2021 13 GCSAA Update by Kevin Doyle One talking point that has been GCSAA Resources and Deadlines a lead topic at every site visit you Get Cool Stuff from your Association Already I can remember is labor. The early years in my role as Field Get started on Facility BMP Manuals Staff it would typically revolve around the quality of the crew. Once your state BMP manual is available through GCSAA’s BMP Now of course, discussion leans Planning Guide and Template you can easily create a facility BMP more towards volume, are you manual for your facility. Access is easy with your GCSAA website able to find enough labor. There member log-in using the link immediately below, then select the are forward thinking people facility BMP icon and go. Webinars are available to assist you with undertaking creative ways to this easy to use tool. solve those issues, and enterpris- Access the Facility BMP tool» ing individuals blazing trails to assist others. One recent site visit reminded me the that the oldest UPCOMING WEBINARS marketing strategy may still be a very effective method. While word of mouth may work for some, would it work for you? Today’s Turf is …. Playable Dec. 14 @ noon I was delighted to hear Chris Johnson at Bellport CC tell me that Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D. his labor was in good shape. For this to occur on the south coast of Long Island was truly surprising to me. I know so many superin- Tips for Painting Your Turf tendents on the Island struggle to find labor. Johnson explained to Dec. 16 @ noon me that a 2020 hire had recommended employment at the club to Sun Roesslein, CSFM a family member. She was brought on this year and was a great fit! Again, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact Word of mouth working at its best, but is it really that easy? me. So, let’s say one of your employees approached me and wanted me Kevin Doyle to work at your facility. What do you think they would say? They GCSAA Field Staff could be your biggest sales staff. Good pay, engaging work, flexible kdoyle@gcsaa.org hours when needed, and being a wonderful place to work? That Follow me on Twitter @GCSAA_NE would pique my interest. Now if I approached a friend of mine, one of your employees, and asked if they are hiring. I didn’t receive the afore mentioned information, instead I got the opposite. Pay is ok, no flexibility to handle personal items, some people are nice but all I do is string trim and rake bunkers. If you have tried to utilize current employees to fill out your staff, they may indeed have already given you a heads-up about your op- eration. If it worked, you may have found a great mix of the items employees are looking for. If your word-of-mouth initiative wasn’t Non-retouched client photo successful, understanding why could help grow your crew/business. GreenJacket system coming off in the spring This area of the Newsletter has expanded on employee feedback PROVEN BY 25+ YEARS OF before. The staff performing daily tasks are often the best resources SUPERINTENDENT SUCCESS. for ideas to maximize efficiency. We have highlighted off-season strategic planning and how building a plan with the entire staff can Patented IMPERMEABLE Reinforced Winter Cover Turf Protection System. build ownership in those new-innovative ideas. Consider utilizing your best possible sales staff, your current employees, to ensure PERMEABLE Lace Coated Grow-In Covers increase your facility and employment opportunities are the best they could healthier turf growth. possibly be. If your employees are seeking to bring friends or loved ones to your team, you know you have built an employee package Find out how the GreenJacket System and inclusive culture that everyone at the facility can be proud of. can make a difference for your golf course. Call 888-786-2683 or Email info@greenjacket.com See Research at GreenJacket.com 14 The Newsletter New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show.... Setting and Staying the Course By Gary Sykes, Executive Director, NERTF, Inc. item on our punch list! The next question was concerning the city’s hotels and restaurants. Most hotels were closed since April 2020, their staff laid-off and it was not known when they would be back online. The reports are good that the hotels are starting to come back online. Many with major staff changes, but they will be open! Restaurants have mostly recovered, but some have not reopened and won’t be. Here is a bit of good news, Rhode Island’s 1st “110 Grill Providence” is open and is located almost right in front of the convention center across the street! That is a great sign that things are getting better every day in Providence. Our plans are in place, and we continue to be putting together a great 25th event! The New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show was set on course back in March of 1998. For some of us that doesn’t So, where do we stand? Our show manager (David Rosenberg) seem too long ago, but if you do the math, 2022 will be our 25th reports that support is strong for booth space on the show floor, event! At that time, we were very concerned with the amount of and we are actively putting together another, what will be, a great support we would get from the industry. That first year, it felt that trade show! There are some that are still under company restriction support was strong, but you are never certain until the seats are not to participate in trade shows. That is too bad, and we will miss filled, and the booths were setup if it was all going to happen the their presence, but a large majority are signing up enthusiastically! way we were hoping. Fortunately, all went well and just like that we Education is coming along strong! We have a large group that are are remembering the years that have gone by. In 1998, we had re- planning presentations in 2022. Drs. Frank Rossi, Stan Kostka, tired Hall of Fame picture Jim Palmer of the Baltimore Orioles as a Beth Guertal, Scott Ebdon, John Inguagiato and Mike Hurdzan keynote speaker. As a teenager, I never wanted Jim to pitch against are just some that are planning to be with us for seminars and ses- the Sox. He seemed unhittable with his big kick and usually went sions with many more presenters. In 2022, we have a Grass Court into the late innings at the Sox’s expense. I had to arrange his visit Tennis seminar and a “new” Cemetery Management seminar being and so I called to arrange a meeting place the day of the event. tried this year. We have education-filled Equipment Managers ses- Jim’s wife picked up the phone told me how excited Jim was to be sions both Wednesday and Thursday along with Golf, Sports Turf coming to a turf conference. She filled me in about Jim’s pursuit of & Grounds and Lawn Care & Landscape sessions planned. We are the perfect lawn and that he spent endless hours working on it! He trying our best to cover all the needs of the turfgrass industry. That did a great job speaking to our audience and spending time on the was our hope, that all turfgrass industry professionals would find a show floor. Like the kid in the Candy Store, Jim wanted to stop in reason to attend. We continue to stay that course since 1998! every booth to see what they were selling and pick up as many tips as he could while he was with us. I became a new fan, still glad he What is to come? By now, if you are on our mailing list you should was retired, but I really enjoyed the time with him. The rest of the have received a postcard about the show. If you haven’t, then go show went as nearly as good as the time spent with Jim. Our new to our website and send an email to me with your address. In turfgrass endeavor was launched successfully and the challenge was December, we hope to get our brochure out in the mail to everyone to keep it going in a good direction, with great quality and value with registration forms. Our website is www.nertf.org. From that for everyone who attended. We feel we continue to stay that course! website in December, you should be able to register for the show. We are hoping to have registration open by December 15. Around Though without a Trade Show in 2021, it does seem like a long that time, we suggest you register for hotel rooms if you plan on time since we were together in 2020. We were lucky we were able staying in Providence. 2021 has been a real challenge, and we are to get in and out of Providence the way we did. If you remember hoping that virtual shows are behind us and that we will be fortu- 2020, our show just closed as the first cases of Covid were being nate to be back at the convention center in just 110 days or so! That reported in RI. We knew it was coming, but no one knew it would doesn’t sound very far away! That is the course we have set, and we still be a concern 2 years later. Soon after finishing up the 2021 plan to stay that course right through March of 2022! virtual conference, our board had committed to planning a face- to-face conference in Providence if it was to be permitted. So far, See you all in Providence, March 8-10, 2022! things are holding together, and it looks good for March. The city is also experiencing a reopening. There are still more questions, but so far most have good answers. Remember, 8 months ago, the con- vention center was still set up as a pandemic overflow hospital, but the threat never grew large enough to utilize the facility. The con- vention center hospital was dismantled in the spring and then the facility was converted back for its original use. This was the biggest November-December 2021 15 MET TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP The Philadelphia AGCS wins 2021 Met Area Team Championship at Saratoga National Golf Club event held, we donated $1,000 to the Tyler Reeb Trust and $1,000 to the Scott Wiiki Memorial Scholarship Fund and also made a donation to PA PGA professional Justin Riegel who was tragically killed in a violent storm. Thank you to all who support these efforts with the 50/50 raffles! If you know of anyone in need, please let us know. Thanks again to all our sponsors, Joe Lucas and his entire staff, and all the folks at Saratoga National GC for another suc- cessful championship! A special thank you to our local GCSAA representative Kevin Doyle for help with registration and our resident photographer Shaun Barry for the great photos that can be found Here. We look forward to seeing everyone next year, From left: the GCSA of New England team - Alex Martin, Bob Healey, so stay tuned for announcements over the Mike Hermanson, Brian Skinner, Ryan Emerich, Tim Crane, Bob Dembek, winter! Note: Please save the date for Jim Favreau (photo by Shaun Barry) the Nor’easter Ski Day at Killington Mountain on February 15th, 2022!! After taking a year off due to the Covid-19 New York ever since with fantastic greens pandemic and with some familiar faces and tee to green conditioning! Submitted by Andy Drohen back on the team, the Philadelphia AGCS won the 2021 MET Team Championship Defending champion Connecticut made a at Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga, good run at Philadelphia, but in the end the NY! This is their fifth title in the past title came down to the difficult par 5 sixth, 16 years, shooting a combined score of 4 where a best ball of 9 caused some unfortu- under, 282! In a tight battle at the top, nate heartache! It’s believed the unnamed Philadelphia won by 4 strokes over the team is sending a case of beer to their other defending champions from Connecticut. teammates for retribution. In third place Great play by all 8 team members helped the team from the Pocono group edged out propel Philadelphia to the top, led by the New Jersey by just 2 strokes. lowest best-ball gross score of the day of a 3 under 69 by Jeff Haas and John Once again after a challenging pandemic, Gosselin. They had a well-balanced team the Met Area Team Championship was with Rich Sweeney and Jon Urbanski firing made possible by our 7 major sponsors who the 5th lowest Net score of the day at 67. continue to step up to make this one of the Philadelphia rounded out the winning team best events across North America! Please with scores of 74 gross from Darren Farrar join me in thanking Allied Nutrients, and Chet Walsh and an even par 72 from BASF, Bayer, Ocean Organics, Plant Food, Greg D’Antonio and Nick Lubold. Syngenta and Toro as they continue to support this fantastic event. Fall foliage was peaking at just the right time for host superintendent Joe Lucas. The Met Area Team Championship contin- Joe was on hand competing for the newly ues to raise money each year to help those formed GCSA of New York and had the in our industry going through difficult Roger Rulewich gem in tip top shape after times. Over the past 10 years we have raised a brutally rainy year. Joe grew-in Saratoga over $10,000 and have supported superin- National 20 years ago and has kept the tendents, industry representatives and their challenging layout in the best courses of families in times of need. After the last 16 The Newsletter MET TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP 2021 MET Area Team Championships Saratoga National GC Par 72 (288) October 12th, 2021 Team Scores Par 288 (Ties broken by lowest gross scores ( ), then net) Score 1st Philadelphia AGCS 282 2nd Connecticut AGCS 286 3rd Pocono Turfgrass Association 291 4th GCSA of New Jersey 293 5th METGCSA 295 6 th GCSA of Cape Cod 298 7th Long Island GCSA (72) 300 8th Eastern Shore AGCS (80) 300 9th Northeastern GCSA 308 10th GCSA of New York (74) 309 11 th Hudson Valley GCSA (83) 309 12 th GCSA of New England (75) 320 13 th Rhode Island GCSA (82) 320 14 th Mid-Atlantic AGCS WD Skill Events Closest to the pin hole #5, sponsored by Ocean Organics Steve Whipple 8’-2”- Hudson Valley GCSA Closest to the pin hole #7, sponsored by Bayer Jason Meersman 1’-6” – METGCSA Closest to the pin hole #12, sponsored by Toro Mike Hermanson 14’-3”- GCSA of New England Closest to the pin hole #15, sponsored by Plant Food Jeff Haas 4’-2” – Philadelphia AGCS Long Drive Hole # 6: Sponsors Division sponsored by Allied Nutrients Andrew Stillwell – BASF Group Hole # 14: Gross Division sponsored by BASF Rene Vadeboncoeur – GCSA of Cape Cod Hole # 16: Net Division sponsored by Syngenta Neil Lajennesse – Connecticut AGCS Low Gross Team Jeff Haas & John Gosselin from Philadelphia AGCS Score of 69 Sponsorship Team Winner Joe Perry & Andrew Stilwell from BASF Group Score of 67 Skins Net Mike Hermanson Eagle on 12 Gross Sean Cain Birdie on 6 Mark Nichols Eagle on 17 Chet Walsh Birdie on 12 Josh Kopera Eagle on 18 Jeff Haas Birdie on 17 Steve Smith Double Eagle on 13 Ryan Emerich Birdie on 18 Jim Favreau Eagle on 5 Nick Burchard Eagle on 7 November-December 2021 17 1941 Our success depends on your success. CHUCK BRAMHALL cbramhall@harrells.com (508) 400-0600 Thank you for trusting us to be your Partner for Success. CHUCK BRAMHALL MIKE KROIAN KENT LEMME cbramhall@harrells.com | (508) 400-0600 mkroian@harrells.com | (401) 265-5353 klemme@harrells.com | (413) 281-8087 JIM COHEN JIM FAVREAU jcohen@harrells.com | (978) 337-0222 jfavreau@harrells.com | (978) 227-2785 www.harrells.com | 800.282.8007 Employee -Owned 1941 18 The Newsletter Learn more about the full line of John Deere Golf & Sports Turf Equipment at www.finchturf.com November-December 2021 19 Please patronize these Friends of the Association Agresource, Inc. Beals & Thomas, Inc. Dependable Petroleum Service 110 Boxford Rd. 144 Turnpike Road One Roberts Road Rowley, MA 01969 Southborough, MA 01772 Plymouth, MA 02360 Agresource Inc. is a proud manufacturer and 32 Court Street UST / AST facility maintenance, distributor of quality compost, soil, and sand Plymouth, MA 02360 installation & compliance testing. throughout the northeast for over 30 years. Civil Engineers–Landscape Architects–Land Bruce Garrett / Francis Turner Agresport, a division of Agresource focused on Surveyors–Planners–Environmental Specialists (508) 747-6238 materials and services specifically for the golf and sports fields market working together to Sarah Stearns 508-366-0560 bgarrett@dependablecompany.com enhance and maintain your unique properties sstearns@bealsandthomas.com www.dependablecompany.com Dave Harding office: (978) 388-5110 Beals & Thomas specializes in golf course cell: (978) 904-1203 site design services including irrigation pond analysis & design, drainage & utility Finch Turf Mike Carignan 978-270-9132 improvements, permitting, hydrogeologic Finch Turf is your premier John Deere mcarignan@agresourceinc.com evaluations, construction administration, Golf Distributor in the Northeast. www.agresourceinc.com boundary & topographic surveys, master planning & project design. Bill Rockwell (508) 789-5293 Mark Casey (617) 447-4076 Atlantic Golf & Turf Ryan Lane (978)758-8671 27 Industrial Boulevard The Cardinals, Inc. Call or visit our website at www.finchturf.com Turners Falls, MA 01376 166 River Rd., PO Box 520 Specializing in agronomy through Unionville, CT 06085 Five Star Golf Cars & the distribution of fertilizer, seed & Golf course & landscape supplies. Utility Vehicles chemicals throughout New England. John Callahan (860) 916-3947 174 Main Street Chris Cowan (413) 530-5040 Scott Gabrielson (401) 258-5830 Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Paul Jamrog (401) 524-3322 Scott Mackintosh CPAg (774) 551-6083 E-Z GO Golf Cars, Cushman Utility Vehicles www.atlanticgolfandturf.com Cavicchio Greenhouses, Inc. Andrew Ingham (617) 780-5482 Andrew@fivestargolfcars.com 110 Codjer Lane MA Territory A-OK Turf Equipment Inc. Sudbury, MA 01776 1357 Main St. Annuals, perennials, garden mums, Coventry, RI 02816-8435 ground covers, loam, & mulch. Fore The Turf Lastec, Tycrop, Blec, Wiedenmann, Darren Young (978) 443-7177 Proudly representing Floratine Products Group, Therrien, Graden, Sweep & Fill, JRM Inc., and Greenleaf Technologies. Baroness, & used equipment. Brian Juneau 781-738-3201 Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc. brianjuneau21@yahoo.com Mike Cornicelli (401) 826-2584 www.pavewithasi.com 304 Main St. Wethersfield, CT 06109 Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta, Harrell’s LLC BASF Turf & Ornamental Grigg Brothers foliar fertilizers, & Aquatrols. 19 Technology Drive 169 Kings Hwy Specializing in custom seed blends. Auburn, MA 01501 Hancock, NH 03449 Robin Hayes (508) 237-2642 Turf & Ornamental supplies. “We don’t make the turf. We make it better.” Chuck Bramhall (508) 400-0600 Pete Jacobson (919) 530-9062 Jim Cohen (978) 337-0222 peter.jacobson@basf.com DAF Services, Inc. Jim Favreau (978) 227-2785 20 Lawnacre Rd. Mike Kroian (401) 265-5353 Windsor Locks, CT 06096 Kent Lemme (413) 281-8087 BACKED by BAYER Custom pumping solutions. Custom Building on an already solid foundation pump controls. Complete pump service. of proven products to help you succeed. Serving all of New England. Brian Giblin (508) 439-9809 Tim Berge, Sales Manager brian.giblin@bayer.com c (860) 690-1192 www.backedbybayer.com o (860) 623-5207 x227 tberge@dafsvcs.com 20 The Newsletter Please patronize these Friends of the Association Helena Agri-Enterprises Mayer Tree Service Mungeam Golf Design, Inc. 101 Elm Street Providing a wide range of tree care from Plant 195 SW Main Street Hatfield, MA 01038 Health Care to tree removal. Mobile wood Douglas, MA 01516 waste grinding services. Stump grinding. National distributors of all your turf Golf course architect Land clearing. Loam and mulch delivery. Tree chemicals & fertilizers. Extensive line pruning to enhance shot value and playability. Office: (508) 476-5630 of Helena Branded wetting agents, Cell: (508) 873-0103 foliars, micro nutrients & adjuvants. Richard Grant (978) 500-8849 Email: markamungeam@gmail.com rich@mayertree.com Jeff Urquhart (781) 571-1164 Contact: Mark A. Mungeam, ASGCA www.helenaagr.com www.golfdesignconsultant.com MAS Golf Course Construction Larchmont Engineering 60 Lumber St. Hopkinton, MA 01748 New England Specialty Soils & Irrigation Fulfilling all your renovation 435 Lancaster Street 11 Larchmont Lane Leominster, MA 01453 Lexington, MA 02420 and construction needs. Matthew Staffieri (508) 243-2443 1mm. Top Dressing Sand, High Density Offering a full range of inventory for Bunker Sand, Rootzone Mixes, Tee irrigation drainage, pumps, fountains & matt@masgolfconstruction Blends, Divot Mixes, Bridging Stone, landscape lighting products & services for www.masgolfconstruction.com Cart Path Mix, Infield Mixes, Inorganic all of your residential & commercial needs. Amendments, SLOPE LOCK Soil. (781) 862-2550 Susan Tropeano McNulty Construction Corp. Bob Doran (978) 230-2244 John Toomey (978) 660-0175 P. O. Box 3218 Lauren Baldarelli (978) 860-5469 Lazaro’s Golf Course Framingham, MA 01705 www.nesoils.com Supplies & Accessories Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways, dba Hammond Paint & Chemical Co., Inc. parking areas; imprinted asphalt. 738 Main St., Suite 223 John McNulty (508) 879-8875 New England Turf Farm, Inc. Waltham, MA 02154 P.O. Box 777 Complete line for all your of golf course West Kingston, RI 02892 supplies. Par Aide, Standard, Eagle MTE, Inc. – Turf One, turf & ornamentals, aquatics, turf Equipment Solutions Many types of tallgrasses and bentgrass marking paint, safety items, adjuvants. available for golf courses, sports turf and 115 Franklin Street Extension landscapers. Expert installation available. Joe Lazaro–cell: (617) 285-8670 Derry, NH 03038 Fax: (781) 647-0787 Office: (800) 451-2900 Email: jlazaro698@aol.com New England’s source for equipment: New & Ernie Ketchum (508) 364-4428 pre-owned mowers, tractors, & maintenance erniesod@comcast.net www.lazarogolfcoursesupplies.com items from: Jacobsen, Turfco, Smithco, Ventrac, Mike Brown (508) 272-1827 Redexim, Neary Grinders, Ryan, Buffalo www.newenglandturf.com Turbine, Mahindra, Gravely, Standard, Par-Aide Maher Services & others. Sales, Parts, & Service all brands. 71 Concord Street Derry Shop: (603) 404-2286 NMP Golf Construction Corp. N. Reading, MA 01864 Rob Nolek: (617) 990-2427 Eastern MA 25 Bishop Ave. Well drilling, pump service & well maintenance Jess Hamilton: (603) 500-3936 NH Ste. A-2, Williston, VT 05495 Sean Smith: (207) 385-6684 ME Peter Maher cell: (781) 953-8167 Golf course construction Bob Barrow: (401) 537-8597 RI or (978) 664-WELL (9355) Alan Hubbard: (413) 355-0603 Mario Poirier (888) 707-0787 Fax (978) 664-9356 www.maherserv.com November-December 2021 21 Please patronize these Friends of the Association Northeast Golf & Turf Supply Prime Source Sodco Inc. 6 Dearborn Road 3208 Peach Street PO Box 2 Peabody, MA 01960 Erie, PA 16508 Slocum, Rl 02877 Complete line of Golf Course, National, full line distributor of turf, 1-800-341-6900 Landscape & Lawn Care Construction ornamental & specialty products. Exclusive Black Beauty, Tall Fescue, Green & Fairway & Maintenance Supplies distributor of Prime Source branded Height Bent, Short Cut Black Beauty, pesticides & specialty products. Tom Rowell (978) 317-0673 Short Cut Blue, 90-10 Fine Fescue Jeff Brown (508) 868-8495 Mike Blatt, Northeast Territory Manager Installation options available Dan Fuller (508) 789-2323 (814) 440-7658 Contact: Pat Hogan, Alicia Pearson North Shore Hydroseeding Putnam Pipe Corp. Syngenta Professional Products 49 North Putnam St. Hopkinton & Taunton, MA P.O. Box 1775 Danvers, MA 01923 Providence, RI Wells, ME 04090 Hydroseeding & erosion control services. Distributor of water, sewer, drain and John Bresnahan (413) 333-9914 stormwater pipe & fittings. Erosion Brian King (978) 762-8737 Melissa Hyner Gugliotti (860) 221-5712 & sediment control products. Free www.nshydro.com delivery & 24-hour service. David Putnam 508-435-3090 Target Specialty Products Nutrien Solutions 165 Grove Street, Suite 70 Suppliers of Chemicals, Franklin, MA 02038 Read Custom Soils Fertilizer, & Grass Seed Supplier of fertilizer, chemicals & grass seed. 5 Pond Park Road, Suite 1 (978) 685-3300 Hingham, MA 02043 Jim Pritchard, Territory Manager 401-862-1098 Nick Burchard (401) 601-7213 Glenn Larrabee 774-670-8880 Drew Cummins (401) 952-4219 Consistent sand for the next twenty years. www.nutrien.com Top dressing sands, root zone blends, high density bunker sand,“early green” Tartan Farms, LLC black sand, divot & cart path mixes. On-Course Golf Inc., P.O. Box 983 Mark Pendergrast (617) 686-5590 West Kingston, RI 02892 Design/Build Garrett Whitney (617) 697-4247 Ed Downing (508) 440-1833 Dave Wallace (401) 641-0306 16 Maple Street Acton, MA 01720 www.readcustomsoils.com Golf Course Craftsmen. We serve all your Tanto Irrigation remodeling and renovation needs. You can trust SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC 5 N. Payne Street your project with us! We make you look good! Elmsford, NY 10532 7 Lincoln Road Sean Hanley (978) 337-6661 Foxboro, MA 02035 Golf Irrigation specialists. Proudly www.on-coursegolf.com providing the Golf Industry with Offering our customers the most complete line of products, service & expertise in the industry. irrigation services for over 50 Years. Precision Laboratories Ron Tumiski (508) 697-2757 Bill Bartels 914-347-5151 tantoirrigation.com 1428 S. Shields Drive Waukegan, IL 60083 Specialized chemistries that enhance plants, seeds, soil and water. Greg Bennett 978-877-3772 www.precisionlab.com 22 The Newsletter Please patronize these Friends of the Association Tom Irwin, Inc. Turf Products WinField United 13 A Street 157 Moody Rd. 29 Gilmore Drive–Unit C Burlington, MA 01803 Enfield, CT 06082 Sutton, MA 01590 (800) 582-5959 Toro Equipment & Irrigation– Using industry-leading insights to provide www.tomirwin.com Serving the industry since 1970 you with the products that help you win. We bring you a network of professionals and 800-243-4355 Time Hanrahan (978) 815-9810 innovative solutions dedicated to your success. Bill Conley With Tom Irwin, you’re not alone. Nat Binns (332) 351-5189 Harris Schnare, Winterberry Irrigation www.turfproductscorp.com Client Relations Manager: 508-654-2488 Pump installation and sales. Irrigation installation, service and repairs. Wire tracking, GPS mapping, grounding Valley Green Tree Tech, Inc. testing, start-up, and winterization. 14 Copper Beech Drive 6 Springbrook Rd Matt Faherty 860-681-8982 Kingston, MA 02364 Foxboro, MA 02035 mfaherty@winterberrylandscape.com Phone: (413) 533-0726 Visit www.winterberryirrigation.com Foxboro, Wellesley, Fall River Fax: (413) 533-0792 Full service tree service specializing in “Wholesale distributor of turf products” zero impact tree removal, stump grinding, tree pruning & tree risk assessments Doug Dondero (508) 944-3262 by our team of Certified Arborists. Jon Targett (978) 855-0932 Joe Trosky (860) 508-9875 Andy Felix (508) 543-5644 Welch Mechanical Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. Welch Mechanical is a mobile repair PO Box 167 company specializing in golf course Wood River Junction, Rl 02894 equipment. We provide a variety of services Tuckahoe Turf grows some of the finest including but not limited to hydraulic and sod in the Northeast. We grow Kentucky electrical systems repairs, engine repair, Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, Tall Fescue, Sprayer calibration and repair, welding/ and Blue/Fescue blends. We also have fabrication, and rebuilding mower reels. several bentgrass varieties at both tee and Please check out our website green height. Please call for details. www.welchmechanical.com Scott McLeod (401) 230-2631 Peter DeBrusk (603) 819-9700 Winding Brook Turf Farm 800-556-6985 Wethersfield, CT and Lyman, ME 240 Griswold Road Turf & Golf Services Wethersfield, CT 06109 13 Bachelor St. Kathy Arcari (401) 639-5462 karcari@windingbrookturf.net West Newbury, MA 01985 www.windingbrookturf.com Turf & Golf Services provides golf course superintendents with resources to maximize used equipment resale value and a resource for reasonably priced, quality turf equipment. Contact Ryan Green (603) 512-2898 ryan@golfandturfservice.com November-December 2021 23 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England The Newsletter–Rate Schedule THE NEWSLETTER DISPLAY ADVERTISING ORDER FORM Company Name: Phone: Address: Contact Name: Email: Issues (List month or months of publications where we will publish your ad):  Amount of payment: Payment can be made by check payable to GCSANE or by credit card using the Pay Pal link on the home page of the Association's website at gcsane.org. You do not need a Pay Pal account to use your credit card. 3 Times Per Yr. 6 Times Per Yr. 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The newsletter is published in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Send all Newsletter ads to: Don Hearn, Executive Director 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Email: donhearn@gcsane.org O. 774-430-9040 24 The Newsletter